Originally Posted By junglejoy We went to a presentation at the BOB next to the DLH and were amazed at all the great places you could use your points that were non-Disney. Has anyone done this? Is it a worth-while or do you lose a lot of $$$$? Is it difficult to book the place you want when you want it? We've thought about this ever since we heard about DVC - about two years ago. But being west-coasters we knew it didn't make sense to join a WDW resort. But if they're opening a DL DVC resort, we are so on this!!! I hope it happens soon because we go a lot and just pay cash to stay. Thanks!
Originally Posted By RoadTrip We've stayed at the Big Cedar Lodge (DVC's Concierge Collection) in Ridgedale, MO a couple of times using points. Big Cedar is about 10 miles outside of Branson and is a WONDERFUL option to all the low-buck Ma and Pa motels you find within Branson. Big Cedar is a truly world class resort, offering accommodations and amenities that not even Disney’s Deluxe Resorts can touch. <a href="http://www.bigcedar.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bigcedar.com/</a> You can rent a room there in the Falls Lodge Sun-Thu during what would be Disney's 'Regular Season' for 23 points a night. They are wonderful rooms... although they do not have full kitchens; they do have a Whirlpool Tub and are larger in size than any Disney Deluxe I've been to. By comparison, Disney's Polynesian Resort rents during that time for 38 points per night Sun-Thu and a Wilderness Lodge Villas one-bedroom would rent for 22 points per night. I've found that the resorts in the Concierge Collection can be a pretty good deal... especially if you go during the off-season. You can stay at the Arizona Biltmore, one of America's finest resorts, for only 22 points per night May - September.
Originally Posted By junglejoy Ohhh. Arizona Biltmore. That would be wonderful. My husband is an architect hobbiest, so he would really appreciate that. Thanks for the response, RT!
Originally Posted By DVC_dad I have never used them at Non Disney Resorts or Hotels. We only go to WDW and DL. I have used them at DL quite a few times though and it worked like clockwork, but that won't matter once the new property is built "over there." Sorry, wish I could be of more help.
Originally Posted By OldKeyWestie Traded out for the Disney Cruise Line 2 years ago. 7 day Eastern Caribbean, followed by 5 days back at OKW. Took the whole family. Inside and outside state rooms. Best alternate usage thing we ever did with the points.
